Squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device

Abstract

A squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device is described. The bird feeder includes a vertically disposed inner housing member which is positioned within a vertically disposed outer housing member with each of the housing members including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments. The spacing of the housing segments divide feed openings therebetween. A combination feed level control and feed port device is positioned between each of the housing segments of the inner housing member so that feed ports are provided therebetween. The outer housing member has a plurality of feed openings formed therein which register with the feed ports of the combination devices when the outer housing member is in its first position. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member do not register with the feed ports of the combination devices. A spring interconnects the inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain the outer housing member in its first position. The combination feed level control and feed ports not only function as a feed level control mechanism but also provide feed ports at the lower end thereof.

1 . A bird feeder, comprising:
 an upper housing member having upper and lower ends;   a lower housing member, having upper and lower ends, with the upper end thereof being spaced below said lower end of said upper housing members to define a feed opening therebetween;   said upper and lower housings including wall sections with openings formed therein;   said upper and lower housings adapted to contain feed therein;   a combination feed level control and feed port device having upper and lower ends;   said upper end of said combination feed level control and feed port device being secured to said lower end of said upper housing member;   said lower end of said combination feed level control and feed port device being secured to said upper end of said lower housing member to position the feed port portion of the device in said feed opening;   said combination feed level control and feed port device maintaining a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main supply of feed has dropped below the device;   said upper and lower housing members being comprised of a metal material;   said combination feed level control and feed port being comprised of a metal material;   and a feed port secured to said lower end of said lower housing.   
     
     
         2 . The bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said combination feed level control and feed port device and said feed port at said lower end of said lower housing member include a feed trough. 
     
     
         3 . The bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said wall sections are comprised of a metal mesh material. 
     
     
         4 . The bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said wall sections are comprised of a perforated metal. 
     
     
         5 . The bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein said wall sections are comprised of a woven wire material. 
     
     
         6 . The bird feeder of  claim 1  wherein each of said upper and lower housing members have an hour-glass configuration.